Free Level 2 Art and Design Course in Dartford – North Kent College Dartford

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body

About this course

Free Level 2 Art and Design Course in Dartford. Classes run at North Kent College Dartford, full-time during the day. You'll study photography in depth, covering lighting techniques, studio work, location shoots, digital imaging, and editing. The course gives you hands-on time in a fully equipped studio and darkroom. This free art and design course for adults and school leavers takes one year to complete.

Who this course is for

"This is a taster course providing aspiring artists with the opportunity to explore many different media / techniques and develop skills in different areas. Elements of painting, printmaking, photography and sculpture will be underpinned throughout by drawing skills and research activities. All work will lead towards a final project centred around a personally chosen theme, area of interest and specialism. Additionally functional skills and work skills are undertaken to help you progress.

You will have access to industry standard studios/ workshops and working with tutors who are professionals in their own field.

This course provides you the opportunity to work in a professional environment which is different to school and gain greater knowledge of the art and design world. This is furthered by live briefs and working with clients to gain skills to further your understanding of the industry, in the past learners have worked with Eleanor Hospice and the NHS to produce work for them.

Our Education Programme includes opportunities for you to develop your English and maths skills as required, depending on your GCSE results upon entry."

What you will learn

  • You'll explore different types of photography and their professional contexts.
  • You'll develop studio lighting techniques, including the use of filters.
  • You'll work on location shoots as well as in a studio setting.
  • You'll learn digital imaging and photo editing skills.
  • You'll experiment with darkroom processes using professional equipment.
  • You'll study how photography is used in advertising, fashion, and events.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical studio sessions, darkroom work, and classroom study. Assessment is based on coursework and a portfolio of your work, which you build throughout the year. You'll work both independently and as part of group projects, using the college's professional studio facilities.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. North Kent College Dartford will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Photographer: weddings, events, portraits, or commercial work
  • Photography assistant: supporting shoots in studios or on location
  • Photo editor: retouching and editing images for print or digital
  • Fashion photographer's assistant: working on magazine or brand shoots
  • Advertising photographer: creating images for marketing campaigns
  • Social media content creator: producing visual content for brands

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design: the natural next step, covering a broader range of disciplines and preparing you for higher education or specialist work.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Photography: a deeper focus on photography, often required for degree-level study.
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design: a one-year course that bridges Level 3 and degree study, recognised by most UK art schools.